The energy levels of [[Electron|electrons]] in an atom are one way to define physical [[Qubit|qubits]]. In particular, two such energy levels may be used for the realization of a so-called two-level system. An electron may be controlled and forced to switch between different levels via [[Electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] fields using a [[laser]]. To make individual [[Atom|atoms]] easy to address with a laser, they need to be fixed in place. There are multiple ways to do this: 1. A [[Laser Tweezer|laser tweezers]] is a highly focused laser beam. If an atom is placed at the focal point, it will be held there by the light forces. It can be moved around with the tweezer and easily manipulated with additional [[Laser|lasers]]. ![[laser_tweezer.excalidraw.light.svg]] 3. In an [[Optical Lattice|optical lattice]], laser beams are brought into [[Interference|interference]] such that they form a [[Standing Wave|standing wave]] pattern. The light field holds the atoms in place and makes them easily addressable via atoms. ![[optical_lattice.exaclidraw.light.svg]] >[!read]- Further Reading >- [[Platforms]] >- [[Qubit]] >- [[Laser Tweezer]] >- [[Electromagnetism]] >[!ref]- References